Jasmin is 17 and studies BS in Accountancy. She has a baby son and they both live with Jasmin's parents, two older sisters and younger brother. Jasmin's mother is recovering from a stroke; her father cares for her. Jasmin's older sister works at the local shopping mall; this is the only income for the family. Jasmin is determined to become an accountant so she can better provide for her son.

I was born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. I am the first child in my family. My parents were both born in Haiti but they both came to the Dominican Republic to search for work, which is where they met. In this country, public schools don't always accept Haitians, and although they did accept me, they do not give a very high quality of education. Private schools give a much higher quality of education, but my family didn't have the possibility to send me. Then I got the chance to go to the Change My Stars English camp where I met many foreign counselors who were teaching us English, and teaching us about successful practices. They liked me and congratulated my work ethic and started tuition for me to go to private school. At first I missed my friends and wanted to return to public school, but then came to see the reason that they were sending me to private school. I am very happy and grateful for this privilege and I am working hard to get good grades and graduate. Thank you.

Michelle has a younger sister and lives with her mother, her aunt and her grandmother. Her father has left them, and this has given Michelle some very sad moments. In spite of this, she is a very lively girl, sure of herself and mature for her age. She is a very good student and regularly gets good grades. She is always keen to become involved in activities at school and at the foundation. Michelle has several young cousins, all of them girls, and she has become a role model for them to follow.